Relatives of Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, a judge at the Kebbi State High Court, have disclosed that they paid N50 million to abductors to ensure his safe return after he spent eight days held hostage. The judge was kidnapped from his Bunza home on July 26 and was released this past Monday.
Authorities including the Kebbi State Police Command and the state’s Ministry of Justice confirmed the recovery of the judge. A family representative indicated that although the kidnappers initially sought N200 million, the parties eventually settled on N50 million following extensive talks. The judge is now resting at home and plans to discuss his experience once he recovers.
The family expressed gratitude toward the state government, law enforcement, and the public for their ongoing support. One relative provided details on the ransom delivery, noting it was handed over at a remote forest site over 70 kilometers from Birnin Kebbi. The kidnappers also demanded specific beverages before completing the transaction. Justice Bunza was released early Monday morning, arriving home via a firewood delivery truck, and appeared to be in stable physical condition without clear evidence of abuse.
